You should definitely apply to the NBC News Associates Program. NBC News Associates undergo a year-long professional development program that provides the opportunity to learn news-gathering and production skills. News Associates also take part in a week-long orientation which includes workshops, guest speakers, and training. If offered the position, you would also be paired up with a mentor who is an experienced staff member at NBC!

If you’re interested in applying to the NBC News Associates year-long staff position, submit your resume to our resume book and Career Services will send NBC a resume book to highlight candidates from Emerson College. By submitting your resume to our resume book, we can keep your resume from ending up in a huge pile of hundreds of applications. Click here for more information on our resume books.

How Can We Help?

Career Services is open Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5pm. We also have walk-in hours Monday – Friday from 1 pm – 3 pm. The last walk-in appointment will be taken at 2:45 pm.

Can’t make it to the office?

We have extended walk-in hours for graduate students on Thursdays from 4 pm – 6pm with Jessica Chance. During walk-in hours on Fridays, you will meet with Shakira Moreta who works specifically with graduate students. We are also available from phone and video call appointments.

]]>Starting with Your ‘Brand’https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/blog/2018/02/21/starting-with-your-brand/
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:51:05 +0000https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/?p=17783If you told me two years ago that I was going to be here writing about branding and, more specifically, self-branding, I’d probably burst out laughing. Branding was never really my thing – it was a concept I’d mingled with time to time and it was something that was always present in the back of mind (thanks to years of Internet PSA’s, workshops, and scoldings from parents or the like) but it was something I always just assumed was some kind of ‘Internet safety’ mumbo jumbo. Well…

Brands are real… and you have one.

But that’s no reason to be afraid.

Branding refers to the act of creating a short-hand image or concept behind a larger, more complex idea. For example: Larry Platt was a contestant on American Idol back in 2010. Larry exploded into pop culture acclaim for his performance of “Pants on the Ground,” a seemingly original tune he brought with him to his audition (and a tune that would launch Larry into near-superstardom based on how funny it was).

Larry thus became the Pants on the Ground Guy, someone whose name I couldn’t even remember without Googling ‘pants on the ground guy’ in shame. In short: Larry has a brand. And it’s a brand that ignores the complexity of who Larry is or was, including his career as a civil rights activist.

Brands are not fully accurate representations of who we are. You know that just by thinking about the brand many fast food places try to sell themselves on (think McDonald’s salads which are frighteningly loaded with calories). Yet they’re judged by how authentic or true they appear. Again, the fact that we know fast food places aren’t healthy despite their marketing shows that we’re wary of their brand and skeptical of their messaging. So what’s the happy medium?:

Be who you are.

Boy, that sounds like something from an 80’s flick, but seriously, staying true to yourself in an online forum is the best route. And I mean both the good and the bad. Employers are not looking at your LinkedIn first. In fact, research seems to suggest that your LinkedIn is the last thing an employer goes to check. Can you guess what the first few sources they’ll check are?

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

They’re checking on the Big 3, so to speak. And they’re checking on them to find more accurate representations of who you are. Translation: Employers want to see an authentic view of who you are. We live in a day and age where it’s easy to tell when someone has tailored an online image to appear overtly clean or censored. The more interesting representations of who you are are the ones that speak closely to who you the real person is and who you really aspire to be.

This isn’t the ultimate compendium of branding advice but it’s a start. If you’re interested in hearing more, and hearing more about the research I’ve done on branding and LinkedIn, keep an eye out for a pair of Digital Identity Workshops coming up in mid-March!

]]>FremantleMedia North America: Building Community in Entertainmenthttps://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/blog/2018/02/20/17749/
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 15:17:06 +0000https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/?p=17749FremantleMedia is a content powerhouse whose portfolio speaks for itself. Between household classics like America’s Got Talent and Family Feud as well as scripted newcomers like American Gods, they’re a company that represents a wide span of award-winning programming.

But, more than that – and more than their portfolio – FremantleMedia is a company with a distinct culture that’s rarely found in the entertainment industry. In fact, they’re a company that, instead of solely focusing on a product, takes the time to focus on developing a vibrant workplace that feels less like a competitive battleground and more like an open and supportive community.

I spoke with Melanie Parker, the Director for Human Resources at FremantleMedia’s Los Angeles office, to explore the variety of opportunities they have to offer current students and recent graduates as well as the general structure and philosophy that runs their office.

What makes FremantleMedia different from other studios?

“I started my career with a massive studio – one of the ones that everyone knows. And part of the reason I left there was that I was looking for a place where I felt heard. I wanted to join a team where I felt like I was able to make an impact… Generally speaking, the business is usually disconnected from its people at other studios. They’re based on a structure that misses out on a sense of community teamwork.

What’s different at FremantleMedia is that we try our best to stay connected with our employees and employees are encouraged to connect with us. If you’re having a challenge we want you to feel like you can come to someone and share that challenge and feel heard. It’s this ‘open door policy’ that really sets us apart as we support a flat structure with great transparency for our employees.”

It’s worth noting that this is somewhat based off of the competitive nature of working within a major studio. There is a general sense that sharing challenges or seeking help is seen as a sign of weakness or that expanding one’s skillset horizontally endangers the work security of others on set. There’s an easy solution to this issue, of course: Building a Community

Can you tell me a bit more about the culture at Fremantle?

“We offer our staff a lot of consistent perks but the difference is that we don’t offer them because they’re cool, hip, or trendy. For example, we offer snacks because we want people to talk. We spent some time thinking about connections between employees and how to spark conversation in the workplace and we eventually decided that people are most likely to connect when breaking bread.”

This approach encourages conversation amongst employees and can have the effect of creating a more unified community that keeps its members in the loop. As Melanie explains, “If you change up the snacks, people notice.”

And with this community comes an important company value: “We don’t want to see people fail. Having a community gives us so much more than a workplace could as we’re creating a culture where people help one another and a culture where no one is above doing anything to help a co-worker out.”

What interests you about Emerson specifically?

“Is it bad for me to say that I get contacted by my executives about why we’re not getting Emerson applicants? Emerson is part of a group of schools that really push television and that’s what we’re looking for: Candidates who are passionate about media and are looking to become a creative force in the industry. So a better question would be: Why wouldn’t we want them?”

What are some things you look for in a potential candidate?

“Do your homework about who we are. Don’t just Google our name and visit our website. A lot of people Google us and turn around to say that they’ve only found information about our international business and they assume that’s where it ends. But, if you keep Googling and you keep clicking through our site, you’ll find information on deadlines, industry news, information on our CEO, and much more that gives a more accurate depiction of who we are. The person who tells me they can’t really find anything shows me that they might not want to be here. Or that they’re not really interested because, if they were, they’d ask. So come prepared with a few questions, just ask me anything. If you can’t think of anything to ask at least ask why I would want to be here.

More than that, we’re looking for people that really know what they want to do in the field. Our goal is to really commit time to developing individuals within a role that they’re passionate about as we’ll continue to develop you horizontally before considering anything vertical. The applicant who comes in thinking that this is a good stepping stone to another role in the company may be disappointed with this but it’s how we keep our company culture and community together.”

It’s worth noting that, in the time that Melanie has worked at FremantleMedia, she’s seen 3 employees return to the studio with minimal turnaround in between. This is rare in the entertainment industry as so many folks are looking to advance their positions or are always looking for the next opportunity but it’s not surprising:

FremantleMedia maintains an impressive workplace complete with a sense of community that outshines many other competitive structures. This is one studio you do not want to miss.

]]>Meet this year’s Peer Career Advisors!https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/blog/2018/02/15/meet-this-years-peer-career-advisors/
Thu, 15 Feb 2018 16:26:53 +0000https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/?p=17501Who are the Peer Career Advisors (or PCA) you ask? Good question! We’re students, just like you, who have been specially trained by the Office of Career Services to meet with you and answer your career-related questions. Each of us PCAs are available for appointments throughout the week and during walk-in hours (weekdays 1-3 pm). We also present workshops on a variety of topics around campus for student groups and residence halls.

Why would you see a PCA?

We’re here to answer your questions about career development and the resources our office offers to students. We’re there to help you when you:

Who are the PCAs?

“Being a PCA has been a wonderful experience. It’s really a great feeling when you’re able to help a student revise their resume before they send it off to that big internship, mock up a cover letter with them, or guide them through our available resources so they can find their next big opportunity.”

“As a PCA, I love having the unique experience of working so closely with students. I used to think applying to internships and writing resumes were so intimidating, but as I continue helping students polish their own material and write new drafts, I’ve learned that they are not so bad and after a while, you’re like a career pro! Other than appointments, I have also done work with our resource guides and available resource lists, revising them to be suitable for all students to use. One industry guide I even put together myself! I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to not only help other students advance their career paths but to also learn and grow with them.”

“I love being a PCA because it gives me a chance to help other undergrads in their career paths. Even for 10, or 15 minutes at a time, having the opportunity to sit down and assist another person and see them smile, or learn something new, is the most rewarding experience.“

]]>WGBH: NOVA Internship Opportunitieshttps://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/blog/2018/02/14/wgbh-nova-internship-opportunities/
Wed, 14 Feb 2018 18:58:50 +0000https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/?p=17463WGBH is a public service media on TV, radio, community and the internet for New England. They are the largest producer of PBS prime-time and online programming. WGBH has two NOVA internship positions available as well as a WORLD Channel/WGBH summer internship. WGBH is committed to offering their interns fulfilling learning experiences and opportunities to become immersed in the promotion of a well-recognized media brand.

What is NOVA?

NOVA is a prime time science series which brings you stories of science and engineering such as how our ancestors lived, how technology impacts our lives and more.

Internships available

NOVA is looking for a NOVA Next Digital Editorial intern. To qualify for this internship you must be an enrolled student. As an intern, you would research, report, and write short posts as well as longer features for NOVA Next, which is NOVA’s platform for in-depth reporting. For more information on the internship position and how to apply, please visit Handshake.

NOVA is also looking for a NOVA Marketing and Communication intern. Like the previous internship, you must be an enrolled student to apply. As a marketing and communication intern, you would work closely with NOVA’s Director of Public Relations to support daily activities related to a wide range of promotional efforts around the NOVA brand. Throughout the internship, you would be exposed to various marketing techniques such as public relations and branding campaigns, event planning and execution, and targeted press outreach. For more information on the internship position and how to apply, please visit Handshake.

WGBH will be at the Internship Fair on March 29th!

Questions?

Make an appointment with a career counselor at Career Services on Handshake.

For Grad Students who cannot make it to our regular office hours, we have evening walk-in hours on Thursday evenings: Thursdays, 4pm-6pm

]]>Getting Started with (App)ointmentshttps://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/blog/2018/02/13/getting-started-with-appointments/
Tue, 13 Feb 2018 20:34:00 +0000https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/?p=17016I’m not a huge fan of puns. But I am a huge fan of convenience. So if you’re here for puns, I’m sorry, but if you’re here to learn how a few online resources can make your life that much easier, then you’re in luck. Let’s cover a few known details about our office as a starter. Career Services is your source for…

Career Education & Exploration: Preparing you for the workforce and exploring your interests or skills in ways you may not have considered.

Professional Material Review: Offering some feedback on how you’re presenting your experience and skill set to best reflect your interest and objective.

Plus, as a reminder, we’re also here to offer any support pertaining to your career, your industry, or any of your professional goals. And the best part?

You can connect with us anywhere!

That might sound like a bold statement but think about this:

Handshake is mobile friendly: In addition to having their site optimized for mobile users, Handshake offers a mobile app available for both Apple and Android devices. Downloading this app is a super helpful way to take your career search on the go and to schedule appointments between hours of homework (or hours of fun). Check out their quick trailer for the app below.

All of our Resources are online: Hey, did you lose something from our office? No worries! There’s a 99% chance that whatever you received from our office is online – just head over to our Resources section on Careerbuzz and you’ll be met with a wide library of different guides, lists, or “cheat sheets” to check out. This is the perfect start for anyone who might be nervous about stopping by our office in person as we’re working to bring more information directly to you! Check out these guides as a starter…

You can (literally) connect with us from anywhere: One little-known fact is that we offer more than just in-person appointments. Head over to Handshake and select the Appointments tab and you’ll see a few different options for the medium you’d like to meet with us over, including phone and Skype-based appointments. Again, this is super helpful for those who might find difficulty heading over to 216 Tremont Street and for those who may find it easier to connect virtually given their schedule. We’re available during normal business hours and we’re happy to accommodate your request for speaking with us, regardless of which medium we conduct it over!

All of this in mind, we are here to offer our services to whatever time, location, or medium serves you best. And don’t forget our walk-in hours:

All Student Walk-In Hours:

Mon- Fri, 1PM – 3PM

Graduate Student Walk-In Hours:

]]>Tips for Staying Safe While Networkinghttps://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/blog/2018/02/05/tips-for-staying-safe-while-networking/
Mon, 05 Feb 2018 21:33:01 +0000https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/?p=17309By now, you’ve heard that you need to network to support your career in entertainment (or in any field, for that matter). And I am sure for many of you, one of the reasons you chose Emerson was that you heard about the strong alumni network. While the majority of our students report positive networking experiences (and we have heard some truly awesome outcomes from connections between our alums!), here are some pro tips to ensure you stay safe:

Always tell someone you trust where you’re going and who you’re meeting, along with their contact info. This way, there is always someone who knows where you are and who you’re with, and they can reach both of you.

Have an out. Before the meeting, have an excuse for a quick exit should you need it.

Meet a contact only in a public place where there are many other people around, such as a coffee shop. This way, you don’t risk being behind closed doors in a private office. Also to consider – having the conversation over Skype or the phone.

Don’t share personal information with someone you barely know. Remember, until you get to know anyone well, they’re a stranger.

Bring a friend. If you’re attending a networking event or even a meeting with an alum, bringing a friend with similar professional interests can make you both feel more at ease.

Report any issues that you have. You can always let Career Services or the Alumni Relations office know if you have an encounter that makes you uneasy. However – remember that we are mandated reporters, and are required to pass along any possible Title IX issues to the college’s Title IX investigator. For confidential resources on campus, ECAPS and VPR can help.

For those who don’t know me, my name is Jessica Chance and I work with the graduate students of Emerson College for career development. This includes career exploration, networking, preparation for interviews, and the best ways to position yourself for internships and jobs. With the rigor of your programs and many time commitments, it’s important to make contact with our office as soon as possible. If you’re starting to think about your job search, or just what your plans will be after graduation, don’t hesitate to make an appointment!

Your Toolkit for Opportunities

There’s no shortage of advice from folks in the arts and communication, serving up recipes designed for career success. The reality is that everyone has a piece of the truth when it comes to finding the right career fit. The key is to know where to begin.

Each semester we provide info to new and returning students about our resources and how they’re designed to serve your career path. As graduate students, you have a finite amount of time to get all done, so of course, it’s no surprise that you might feel rushed to have it all together asap. Here’s where Career Services has some great resources ready for you:

Skills, Talents and How To Use Them

Some great ideas, stories, and experiences are shared when you’re in graduate school. During undergrad years you were still learning about yourself, interests, even career paths to avoid. Then there are gap years, years abroad, or time spent on a first job where you got some solid field experience. At this point, you’ve entered new territory and it’s time to hone in on what makes you tick. This is where a solid resume and cover letter comes in. Need some examples? Check out:

Who, What, Where, When How

80% of jobs are found through contacts. “Networking”. “Connections”. The words are buzzed around constantly but you might be wondering what it all means. A good place to start is to think about the steps, the language and the art that is networking. Check out our guide on Networking for more information.

Your Campus

Our library, graduate lounge, dining hall are all places where you can spend some time after work or before class if you’re in the area. While your schedule is fairly different from undergrads, don’t be a stranger and by all means, remember that this your campus. Also, know that at career services we offer walk in hours for graduate students from 4-6pm on Thursdays and from 1-3pm on Fridays.

EmersonNEXT will be hosting two focus groups for graduate students in February. As a reminder of what EmersonNEXT is:

EmersonNEXT focuses on supporting graduate students throughout the career planning, exploration, and development process and we would like to learn more about your goals and needs in order to better support you. Join us for refreshments before class and we can talk about experiences you’ve had with the Career Services and the types of events you feel would help you achieve your goals.

When?

School of Communication – Wednesday, February 7th: 4pm – 5pm

School of the Arts – Wednesday, February 21st: 4pm – 5pm

Where?

Career Services, Conference Room
216 Tremont Street, 6th Fl

For more information about the focus groups and how to RSVP, click on the links below…

]]>CPT: Your To Do List is Right Here!https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/blog/2018/01/29/cpt-your-to-do-list-is-right-here/
Mon, 29 Jan 2018 20:43:38 +0000https://careerbuzz.emerson.edu/?p=17363Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows international students to work for a company off-campus, if the position is necessary for their program of study. CPT is required for paid internships or internships that offer any other form of compensation such as a meal plan or transportation passes. If you have a paid internship you have to take a for-credit course along with the internship. Emerson offers 1 credit, 2 credit and 4 credit internship option. Contact your program directors for more information on which options are available to you.

What do I need?

As you begin to apply for internships, think about your professional goals and the skills you have acquired throughout your experience. Which companies are you interested in? If you need help with your internship search, setup an appointment with a Career Counselor on Handshake.

Once you find an internship, you must take the following steps:

Internship Approval
Contact the Career Services office for internship approval. Internship approval will take about 1-2 weeks.

Once you have submitted your forms for internship approval, it is recommended that you contact the Office of International Student Affairs to let them know you intend to apply for CPT and have started the internship approval process with Career Services. Your internship must be approved by Career Services, your internship site, and the faculty member running your internship course. Career Services will walk you through this process.

CPT Approval
Contact the Office International Student Affairs for CPT approval. You can only receive CPT approval AFTER your internship has been approved. It can take up to two weeks for your CPT to be approved. You cannot start working until your CPT has been approved.

For more information setup an appointment with a Career Counselor or with the Office of International Student Affairs.